Skip to main content

Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)


Happy Gilmore 2 is directed by Kyle Newacheck, known for his work on Workaholics and Murder Mystery. He brings some of that chaotic energy to this sequel, but he’s held back by a script from Tim Herlihy, a frequent Sandler collaborator. Herlihy’s writing feels like it’s trying too hard to be modern, often missing the charm that made the original a cult classic.

Adam Sandler has his prime days in the past and his goofy persona is hard to grasp again now that the novelty has worn off. He plays an alcoholic in the film, which was supposed to give him some sort of character arc but it just came across as weak.

Julie Brown returns and still brings a grounded energy to the cast. Her chemistry with the rest of the ensemble feels natural, and she’s one of the more consistent performers here despite her minimal use.

Christopher McDonald reprises his role as Shooter McGavin, slipping into it effortlessly. He hasn’t lost the smug charisma that made the character iconic, and his presence adds a much-needed anchor to the story.

Ben Stiller returns as the sadistic nursing home orderly, and while it’s mostly for fan service, he doesn’t phone it in. He embraces the role with the same weird intensity that made it memorable the first time.

Bad Bunny plays the new caddie. His performance is more novelty than necessity, but he’s serviceable in the role. He doesn’t detract from the film, but he doesn’t elevate it either.

John Daly makes an appearance that’s amusing if a bit random. He’s clearly there to appeal to the golf crowd, and while it’s not a deep performance, it works in context and is funny.

Haley Joel Osment pops in for a short role towards the second half of the film. He brings an odd energy that might not work for everyone, but it’s nice to see him in a mainstream comedy again.

Benny Safdie plays the film’s main villain. He’s supposed to be annoying and hate-able just like how Christopher McDonald's Shooter. Plus who likes someone with bad breath?

The film is packed with cameos and references, but the sheer number becomes overwhelming. While it has flashes of humor and nostalgia, the movie struggles to find its identity in the shadow of the original. Result B-

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psycho Killer (2026)

Psycho Killer (2026) is a religious-tinged detective thriller that leans far more into procedural tension than outright horror. Directed by Gavin Polone , who is better known as a producer than a filmmaker, the movie benefits heavily from its screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker , the writer behind Se7en . His fingerprints are all over this. The writing is sharp, layered with foreshadowing that only fully clicks at the end, and structured in a way that constantly feels like it is building toward something inevitable. The gorgeous  Georgina Campbell plays the detective tracking down the titular killer, and she carries the film with confidence. You'll remember her from Barbarian and recently Cold Storage.  The script gives her plenty of emotional range to explore, from controlled professionalism to visible cracks under pressure. She handles the lore-heavy exposition well and grounds what could have been overwhelming backstory. It is another strong showing for her and proof she c...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cold Storage (2026)

Cold Storage (2026) is a sci fi horror thriller that surprised me in a good way. The writing is solid enough that it actually calmed some of my worries about Disclosure Day coming later this year since the same writer is involved. The story holds together and stays engaging, even when the visuals do not. The CG is laughably bad at times, but the acting/chemistry keeps the movie watchable. Jonny Campbell directs, with the screenplay by David Koepp , known for Jurassic Park and Spider-Man . His writing here is tighter than expected, which is why it gives me more confidence about Disclosure Day. The direction is straightforward and lets the script do most of the work, even if the effects budget clearly limits what can be shown on screen. He needs a redemption after  Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. Joe Keery , known for Stranger Things and Free Guy , is the main reason I showed up. He proves he can handle a leading role after Stranger Things and carries the film with a relax...
Post a Comment
Read more